Imprisoned for a Trillion Years, I Was Worshipped by All Gods!

The prodigy competition began as scheduled.

The rules were straightforward: aside from the age limit, there were no restrictions. Participants only needed to register, submit their information, and then draw lots to determine their opponents.

Winners would proceed to the next round, drawing lots for their next match.

Losers would be eliminated, though there was a chance for revival if they wished to challenge again.

During the battles, there were virtually no limitations—participants could even bring weapons to the arena.

Many found these rules unfair.

After all, some competitors had access to divine artifacts.

Those without such resources began scrambling to purchase or rent powerful artifacts.

However, those who owned divine artifacts weren't necessarily willing to loan them out.

While some voiced dissatisfaction with the fairness of the rules, others argued that family background and resources were part of one's strength.

Meanwhile, the 5-Element God King, along with several other God Kings, gathered at Daniel's residence to observe the battles.

For beings of their rank, appearing at the venue was unnecessary.

Perhaps they would make an appearance during the finals, but for now, the 5-Element God King was the primary host.

The other God Kings were more reserved and content to let the 5-Element God King handle the spotlight.

Taking out a mirror and casting a divine spell, the 5-Element God King summoned numerous images around them, displaying the battles taking place across the arenas.

"This time, over six million people registered for the competition," the 5-Element God King remarked, watching the matches and the cheering spectators.

A few years ago, when the beast clan had just retreated from the 5-Element God Realm, the population had been severely depleted.

To see the realm restored to this extent in such a short time filled him with pride.

Of course, this recovery was largely thanks to Daniel's steady infusion of divine stones. The 5-Element God Realm was now brimming with talent.

"The 5-Element God Realm is doing well. It's nearly caught up to the Greenwood God Realm," one of the God Kings commented.

"The Greenwood God Realm is the top realm in the south, isn't it? I recall their prodigy competitions attracting over 18 million participants—nearly 20 million," another added.

"That many? Still, considering the 5-Element God Realm's progress in just a few years, it's impressive to be catching up," a third chimed in.

Hearing their constant mentions of the Greenwood God Realm, the 5-Element God King's initial pride began to waver.

The Ink Sea God King and the newly ascended Arya God Kings, aware of the 5-Element God King's past struggles in the Greenwood God Realm, seemed to enjoy teasing him about it.

The worst part? Their words were true, leaving the 5-Element God King with no grounds for rebuttal.

Determined, he silently vowed to surpass the Greenwood God Realm.

Daniel, observing their banter with a smile, reminisced about his time in Crossbridge World. It had been a long while since he'd been involved in something so lively. These days, his role was mostly to watch the younger generation's battles from the sidelines.

He thought back to his time in the Mistriver Realm, marveling at how far his former students had come.

"Look at this one! He's been dominating every match so far," one of the God Kings remarked, pointing to a screen.

"He must have a half-divine artifact. These smaller cities don't have strong opponents to challenge him," another said.

"Like this one here—he barely fights. Just throws treasures around to win every match," another added, laughing.

Their discussion continued until Big White's voice interrupted.

"Hey! Isn't that Reed? Yes, it's him! He's about to take the stage!"

The God Kings turned their attention to the screen, drawn by Big White's excitement.

Reed stepped onto the arena, spear in hand.

"Crossbridge World, Reed," he introduced himself.

Hearing this, the 5-Element God King glanced at Daniel, noticing his focused gaze on the match.

The others also realized the significance of this moment—Reed must be one of Daniel's students.

In the arena, Reed's opponent took the stage.

"White Wolf World, Novi," the opponent announced.

Spectators erupted in chatter.

"That Novi ascended twenty years ago. He even made a name for himself during the beast clan invasion," one observer said.

"Looks like this guy from Crossbridge World is in trouble," another remarked.

"Trouble? It's going to be a complete blowout. Both worlds are high-tier God Realms. Losing would be humiliating," someone else added.

Given Crossbridge World's vast territory in Ascension City, many peers felt resentful.

The provocations led by Brightsun World had only amplified this dissatisfaction, with some openly hoping to see Crossbridge World humiliated.

In their eyes, this was a guaranteed win for Novi.

After all, Novi had been in the God Realm for twenty years and had fought the beast clan. Reed, by comparison, had only ascended a few years ago—if even that.

How could he possibly compete?

Many placed their bets on Novi, confident in his victory.

Cheers erupted for Novi as he stepped onto the stage, while Reed remained calm, his eyes cold and focused.

He didn't care about the cheers or jeers. His only goal was victory.

"Begin!" the referee declared.

Reed's figure vanished from the arena, leaving the audience stunned.

"What just happened? Where did he go?"

Before they could make sense of it, Reed reappeared.

He didn't even use his spear.

With a single punch, he struck Novi squarely, sending him flying off the stage.

"Winner: Crossbridge World, Reed!" the referee announced.

The crowd erupted—not in celebration, but in disbelief.

Many had bet heavily on Novi and now accused the match of being rigged. Some were so furious they wanted to attack Novi for his failure.

Fortunately, the competition had prepared healers and security in advance, preventing any further chaos.

In Daniel's home, the 5-Element God King stared at the screen in shock.

"Lord Daniel, is he already at the peak of High God Rank?"

The God King could see it clearly—Reed was just one step away from God Lord Rank.

While he hadn't paid much attention to Reed before, he had learned a bit about him while looking into Rose.

Reed had been one rank below Rose when they ascended.

But now, Reed had reached the peak of High God Rank.

What about Rose?

Could she already be at God Lord Rank?

The 5-Element God King's mind raced, realizing why Daniel had worn such a strange expression when he'd mentioned his children's participation.

Now, the God King couldn't sit still.